What does it mean to be assertive?
Being assertive means being honest about your feelings, your opinions, or even your rights. It does not mean being aggressive in which someone else may feel threatened or disrespected. Being aggressive may result in feeling like a bully and losing important relationships. Being assertive also does not mean being passive in which you are too intimidated to say what you truly feel or believe. Remaining passive in situations that mean a lot to you, can result in feelings of being manipulated, used or disrespected. Being assertive is just as important when your feelings are positive as when they are negative. For example, politely but firmly saying no to requests for your time or possessions when you cannot offer them without resentment or annoyance is really a favor to the friend who is asking. It avoids a hidden agenda between you which may later damage the relationship and saves you from carrying those negative feelings of resentment. When people trust you to say “no” when you should, t
